CuO Nanosheets: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Performance

Abstract

CuO nanosheets have been synthesized via the hydrothermal method at 120°C for 3 h, without using any surfactant or structure directing agent. The structural and morphological characteristics of the copper oxide have been examined with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, and BET surface area analyses. The as-prepared materials have been used for the catalytic degradation of methylene blue dye (MB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The results have demonstrated that the CuO nanosheets showed an enhanced catalytic performance with good reusability up to the fourth cycle. In addition, the effect of several parameters, including the catalyst and hydrogen peroxide quantities, the reaction temperature and the dye concentration have been also investigated for the degradation reactions of the MB. The kinetic data have revealed that the dye degradation process follows a pseudo-first order model. It should be noted that the activation energy (E_a), enthalpy (ΔH^#), entropy (ΔS^#) and activation free energy (ΔG^#) have been calculated for the oxidation reaction. The CuO nanosheets exhibite an excellent catalytic performance for the degradation of MB. This also provides a newer route for promising dye degradation in wastewater treatment.